Recent Grad Lands Job at Stanford Health Care

Landing the Job

Leading up to my graduation, I approached my job search with flexibility, as I wanted to welcome any opportunity that came my way. I applied to Stanford Health Care New Graduate RN programs with high hopes of starting my career within an ICU setting, as this is where I completed my preceptorship and capstone project during my senior year. Despite having my eyes set on the ICU, I still wanted to go about this job search with an open mind, thus inspiring me to apply to surgical divisions as well, since I had discovered a newfound interest in transplants from my time doing clinicals. After doing the initial online applications for these programs, the various interview processes quickly snuck up on me. Already nervous and anxious, I recall entering the panel interview for the surgical division and facing a group of managers and other candidates who were just as eager as I was for this position. One by one, each of us was asked experiential and behavioral questions and our responses were judged by the panel. After some shaky responses, I lost confidence and was convinced I messed up. But to my surprise, I got a call for a second interview the following day. I had moved on to the individual unit interview and got to meet my future unit. It was official when I received my verbal offer the day after the interview and the official offer days later.

During the process, I ultimately relied on my passion for my career as a nurse, my purpose to lead and inspire others, and to make a difference.”

A Passion for Nursing

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I always remember why I started nursing school. I want to dedicate my life to helping other people within the healthcare field. At USF, I had the opportunity of working as a University Ambassador in the Office of Undergraduate Admission, where I participated in conducting candidate interviews, presentations, and addressed student questions and concerns. I was able to learn more about developing positive coping mechanisms such as calming my anxiety by taking my time, focusing on one thing at a time, and remembering why I am here doing this work. I am now able to take negative energy and turn it into positive motivation that allows me to strive for excellence in everything I do. I believe that everything is a learning experience that can lead to growth. This philosophy eventually helped me throughout nursing school, especially with the imposter syndrome that I was experiencing, not feeling like I would be a good nurse or even a good nursing student. 

My love for nursing started in high school as I was always drawn to subjects such as biology, physiology, anatomy, and everything related to the human body. However, I never would have realized that nursing was the career path I would choose if I had not sustained a concussion during my volleyball season. I had to go to the ER where my parents and I were terrified as we all lacked health literacy. We didn't know what was going on and what would be the result of this injury. However, in those moments of uncertainty and fear, my nurse was the one person who made us feel comfortable, helped us understand the situation, and made us feel safe. He became my role model when he noticed how lost and scared I was and stayed in the room during his free time to talk to me. He took my hand and ensured he would take care of me. He explained everything to me not just as my nurse, but also as my friend.

Nursing is the best way for me to combine my love for health care and my ability to empathize with others.”

Why USF?

I chose the Nursing program at USF because of its mission and values of social justice which stood out to me, personally and professionally. I immersed myself in its community by talking to current students about their experiences at the school. I remember them sharing how much support they get from faculty, staff, and other students. I could feel how genuine their feelings were about the program and school.

Advice for Incoming Students?

Don’t let anybody stop you from doing what you want. Keep that mindset through college. In high school I wasn't very involved. But at USF, the opportunities were there for me to take advantage of. During my four years of college, I was part of the Male Student Nursing Society, Nursing Students’ Association, Omicron Theta Chi, a Getty Scholar in the Honors College, a cohort representative in the School of Nursing & Health Professions, and GO Team!

Favorite Memory at USF?

One of the key milestones in my journey was orientation during my freshman year. Looking everyone in the eyes, Stacey Kohut, the School of Nursing & Health Professions Department Supervisor, said, “you're here for a reason and we will grow together.” This thought stayed in my mind for all four years of school and continued to inspire me. Starting clinical practice for the first time was also a significant milestone. I was terrified, but my clinical instructor, Sylvia Andrade, was there supporting me. Then came HESI. I passed HESI during my Sophomore year but failed HESI during my Junior year, which was a learning moment as it taught me to be vulnerable and understand that a test does not define who I am as a nurse. Lastly, graduating, passing the NGN NCLEX, and getting a job within three months was surreal!

Nursing school is hard and it will come with a lot of ups and downs, but as long as you hold onto your passion for helping others, have a strong support system, and engage in self-care, you will succeed in the end. I’m excited, have my new scrubs, and feel ready to start my new job and the next chapter of my life.”